(CNN Spanish) ––
The Nicaraguan Ministry of Health began voluntary vaccination with Sputnik V this Tuesday, as protection against covid-19.
The first doses of the Russian vaccine were applied at the Antonio Lenín Fonseca hospital in Managua.
According to the authorities, patients with chronic diseases, cancer and heart disease have priority.
Nicaraguan government announces start of voluntary vaccination against covid-19 with Russian vaccine
Health officials explained to the official website El 19 digital that the vaccination of these patients will strengthen their immune system.
Also reduce health complications derived from covid-19.
Ailen Marcela Reyes, a patient with kidney problems, was among the first vaccinated.
In that regard, he told CNN that he felt good and that he hoped he would have no adverse reactions.
"Thanks to the president for the opportunity he is giving us," Reyes added.
advertising
The vice president and government spokesperson, Rosario Murillo, informed official media on Monday that it is a voluntary and totally free process, guaranteed by the Nicaraguan government.
Each patient who receives the vaccine must fill out a form authorizing the application of the vaccine.
In this same document, the patient must leave their contact information so that the second dose can be applied in 21 days.
Nicaragua claims that doses of Sputnik V donated by Russia arrived
At the same time, the vaccine was also applied to people with kidney failure at the Hemodialysis Center of the Cruz Azul Hospital, a unit of the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS).
Roberto López, executive president of the INSS, told the official media that they chose these patients because they are one of the groups most at risk of acquiring the new coronavirus.
Lopez added that patients from public centers and others will be included under INSS coverage.
Before the application of the first vaccines, Dr. Leonel Argüello, an independent epidemiologist and member of the Multidisciplinary Scientific Committee, said on Channel 10 that Murillo's announcement on Monday left more doubts about the process.
As he explained, this is because significant details of the vaccination plan in Nicaragua are unknown.
Argüello recommended that patients who will be immunized in a single day should be adequately assessed, cited and prepared, due to the conditions in which the drug is stored.
He also indicated that the premises must be spacious, ventilated and safe as in other countries, which used stadiums, gyms and hospitals for that purpose.
In addition, he recalled that all those mentioned must wear masks or face masks.
According to Argüello, 13% of the population of Managua has a chronic disease.
Hence, I mentioned that it is important to determine the scope of this journey, because it should include young adults.
sputnik VCoronavirus vaccineVaccination